Embroidery is long lasting, adaptable, and gives garments a distinctive, professional finish. It’s a strong alternative to printing, especially for uniforms and workwear in industrial settings, or for custom promotional apparel where a personal, premium touch matters. Using modern digital methods, Champions Global Prints digitises your artwork and stores it on file, so repeat orders are always straightforward.
Embroidery pricing is based on stitch count the denser and larger the design, the higher the cost. Changing thread colours does not affect the price.
Cost Considerations
Stitch count determines embroidery pricing. A large, dense logo will cost more to embroider than simple text or script. Changing thread or stitch colour does not raise the price.
Design Considerations for Embroidery
If you’re supplying your own artwork, follow these guidelines for the best result:
- Colours: spot colours
- Pantone colour matching: yes
- Artwork type: vector graphics
- File formats: .ai, .eps, .pdf
- Artwork should be at least 100% of the intended embroidery size
- Convert all text to outlines, as we may not have your font on file
- Avoid intricate gradients and shadows, as these can’t be embroidered
- Bold, solid logos embroider best anything highly detailed may suit screen printing better
Advantages of Embroidery
- Premium, professional appearance Embroidery gives a textured, high end finish that instantly lifts the look and feel of any garment.
- Outstanding durability Because the design is stitched into the fabric itself, embroidery won’t crack, peel, or fade the way some printing methods do over time.
- Ideal for uniforms and workwear Embroidery suits clothing worn often and washed regularly, making it a favourite for branded workwear and corporate uniforms.
- Adds texture and depth The stitched finish gives logos and branding a three-dimensional look that stands out without feeling too bold.
- Great for smaller branding areas Left chest logos, sleeve branding, and cap embroidery often look sharper and more refined when stitched rather than printed.
- Consistent, professional results Once your artwork is digitised, embroidery reproduces consistently across repeat orders and different garment styles.
Things to Consider with Embroidery
- Not ideal for highly detailed artwork Fine details and intricate illustrations can be hard to reproduce accurately in thread.
- Gradients and photographic designs aren’t possible Unlike digital printing, embroidery can’t recreate photographic imagery, shadows, or smooth colour transitions.
- Cost rises with stitch count Larger, denser designs need more thread and production time, which can raise costs compared with simpler logos.
- Less suited to lightweight fabrics Embroidery works best on heavier garments like polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets. Very lightweight or stretchy fabrics may suit printing better.
- Large designs can add weight Chest logos and smaller branding areas work beautifully, but very large embroidered graphics can make a garment feel heavier and stiffer.
Embroidery vs Screen Printing
Both embroidery and screen printing are durable branding methods, but they produce very different finishes. Embroidery gives a premium, textured look especially popular for uniforms, hospitality wear, and corporate apparel. Screen printing generally suits larger graphics, bold designs, and high-volume orders better.
| Feature | Embroidery | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Textured & premium | Smooth, printed finish |
| Small Logos and Text | Excellent | Good |
| Large Graphics | Limited | Excellent |
| Photographs | Not suitable | Limited |
| Workwear & Uniforms | Excellent | Very good |
| Brand Perception | Premium & professional | Bold & versatile |
Is Embroidery Right for Your Project?
If you want a premium finish that conveys quality, professionalism, and longevity, embroidery is usually the best choice. It’s especially popular for uniforms, hospitality wear, corporate clothing, and premium merchandise, where durability and presentation matter most.
Embroidery FAQs
- What is embroidery on clothing? Embroidery is the process of stitching a design directly into fabric with coloured threads. Unlike printing, it creates texture, depth, and a premium tactile finish, widely used for work uniforms, luxury hospitality wear, fashion brands, and premium promotional garments.
- Is embroidery more durable than printing? Yes. Because the design is stitched into the fabric rather than sitting on the surface, embroidery doesn’t fade, peel, or crack. For workwear and corporate clothing, it’s often preferred for its longevity and elevated look.
- How much does custom embroidery cost? Pricing depends on stitch count, which reflects design complexity. There’s also a digitising fee to turn your logo into a stitch-ready format, which Champions will confirm once you send your artwork file.
- What garments work best for embroidery? Embroidery performs best on thicker fabrics such as polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, and other heavyweight garments. It’s less suited to highly stretchy fabrics.
- Is embroidery suitable for corporate uniforms and branded workwear? Absolutely. For businesses investing in branded workwear, embroidery gives an elevated feel built to last. Whether for front-of-house staff, corporate teams, or hospitality settings, embroidered branding signals stability, care, and confidence.
- Does embroidery look more premium than print? In many cases, yes. The dimensional stitching naturally creates a more refined look. For brands wanting a timeless finish rather than a bold, trend led one, embroidery delivers understated luxury.
If you’re ready to get started or have questions, get in touch with the Champions Global Prints team info@championglobalprints.co.uk or call +44 7344 463867